Unbound: The Cursed Trilogy, Book One Betty Legend (smallest ebook reader .TXT) 📖

rigid and distrusting wall crumbles.

“My dreams.”

“Fascinating. Is every painting inspired by your dreams?”

“Most of them are.”

“I’ve chosen the perfect local to show me around New York. Your imagination is as vivid as mine.”

“Do you work in the creative arts?”

“I dabble, but nothing substantial. My business is in real estate and hospitality. It’s boring compared to what you do.”

“Are you in New York to make a new property deal?”

“I’m here to acquire something valuable.”

“Sounds interesting.”

Griffin’s brow rises. “Very.”

“Selene.”

Begrudgingly, I pull my attention away from Griffin’s handsome face.

“Yes, Susan?”

“Excuse us, Mr. Hughes. Selene has sold another painting.”

“Of course, she has. Please, by all means.” Griffin places a hand on my lower back, and a warm tingling sensation stirs beneath his fingertips. Glancing at his face, he doesn’t appear to notice. “I’ll be here when you’re finished.”

A strange physical pull at my core has me wanting to stay with him. Walking away from him leaves me with a lingering need to return as soon as possible. It’s been too long since I’ve had an attraction this strong to a man, which is as startling as it is exciting.

Another grateful thank you and three questions later, I wander around the space in search of Griffin. My brow furrows and my stomach tightens when I can’t find him. A moment later, a hand caresses my bare shoulder and the same warm tingling sensation stirs beneath his fingers.

“Worried I left?”

“Maybe a little.”

With his other hand, he delivers a champagne glass to me.

“Tell me more about yourself.”

“What would you like to know?”

Griffin’s eyes lower to my chest and back to my face with a curious intensity.

“Everything.”

The way he looks at me hints to hidden passion—to want, to desire. Being the only woman who has Griffin Hughes’ attention tonight is combatting with my rule against no one-night stands.

“How about a summary?” I offer.

With half his mouth upturned, he nods.

“I grew up in Tennessee, went to art school, then took every bit of what I had saved to move to New York and follow my dream of being an artist. The end.”

Griffin narrows one eye and clicks his tongue. “There’s more to you than that.”

“Perhaps I’ll tell you more over dinner.”

“And where is the lovely Selene planning to take me to dinner?”

“Italian, and that’s all you get.”

From a distance, Susan curls her finger for me to join her and a couple who’s a potential buyer.

“Don’t go far. The art show is almost over.”

“I’ll be here.”

Another successful sale and I’m ready to celebrate over drinks and delicious Italian. Returning to Griffin, my grin is so wide, my cheeks hurt.

“I sold seven paintings. Three of them, thanks to you.”

“I have no doubt you would have sold them if I hadn’t bought them.”

“Regardless, I appreciate your business.”

“Now, it’s time to celebrate.”

“That it is.”

Meeting with Susan, I finalize the details to have the remaining paintings returned to my studio. She offers me a genuine congratulations and welcomes me back for another show. I’m ecstatic as I walk out of the gallery.

“This was an amazing evening. It’s been a pleasure having you as a part of it.”

“I’m glad I was able to be a part of something so special to you.”

Side by side, we walk, Griffin keeping up with me as I lead us down the block to the restaurant.

“What’s your story? Are you married, have a girlfriend? It’s hard to believe a man as handsome as you would be single.” Realizing how loose the alcohol has made my lips, I avoid looking at what I assume is a grin on his face.

“Never married, and I don’t have a girlfriend. My life is complicated. I’ve been waiting for the right woman to be able to handle the complications.”

“What kind of complications, if you don’t mind me asking?”

My balance teeters as I dodge a paper drink cup a stranger tried to toss into a trashcan and missed. Griffin catches me as the remainder of the liquid in the cup spills onto the pavement in front of me. The stranger mouths “Sorry” and keeps on walking. With a huff, I turn my attention to Griffin and the warm tingling sensation coming from where his hands are around my arm and waist. My mind may be playing tricks on me, but I could’ve sworn I saw a flicker of something bright in his irises before it dimmed and disappeared. Ensuring I’m stable, he releases me, putting a step between us.

“What were we talking about?” My brain tries to push aside the weird eye glimmer and the need to feel his hands again. “Oh, right, your complicated dating life.”

Griffin laughs, a light and airy sound, as though I genuinely amuse him.

“I’ll spare you the boring details of my work and personal life.”

“Without those boring details, what will we talk about while I’m your tour guide for the next two weeks?”

“How about your dating life?”

“Ha,” I snicker. “It’s been a disaster lately. I do my own thing and figure when I least expect it, I’ll meet someone I enjoy spending time with.”

“I can imagine a lot of men would like to spend time with you. You’re beautiful, unique, and talented.”

Side-eyeing him, I fight back the smile attempting to swell my cheeks.

“Those are a lot of flattering words, Griffin Hughes.”

Griffin’s chin points my direction as he narrows his lids.

“And I mean every one of them.”

During the rest of the walk, I’m silent as butterflies flitter around in my belly. I barely know this man, yet he’s stirring a lot of intense feelings in a short amount of time. Maybe being his tour guide isn’t a good idea when I know he’ll be leaving in two weeks and I’ll probably be sad about it.

We reach the entrance door and Griffin holds it open for me. Entering, I give the host my reservation name and she leads us to our table on the second-floor loft. We’re seated next to the railing where we can see most of the activity on the first floor. The restaurant is new and has the modern design